Sodium Propionate
Sodium Propionate (CAS 137-40-6) is the industry-standard mold inhibitor for the bakery and feed sectors. As a high-purity E281 food additive, it effectively prevents mold and “rope” bacteria in bread without interfering with yeast fermentation. Ruiheng supplies premium Food and Feed Grade Sodium Propionate with ≥99% purity, available in both fine powder and low-dust granules. Fully compliant with FDA, FCC, and JECFA standards.
1. Product Overview
Sodium Propionate (CAS No. 137-40-6) is a highly effective mold inhibitor and antimicrobial preservative. It is the sodium salt of propionic acid and is widely used in food preservation, animal feed protection, and industrial applications.
It is particularly effective in inhibiting mold growth and rope-forming Bacillus species, making it essential in bakery products, dairy processing, and feed manufacturing. Due to its excellent water solubility and favorable metabolic safety profile, Sodium Propionate is widely used in global food processing systems.
Shandong Ruiheng Biotechnology Co., Ltd. supplies high-quality Sodium Propionate produced using advanced drying technology, ensuring impurity levels significantly below industry standards. All products are fully traceable and comply with major international regulatory standards including China GB, US FCC, EU E281, and JECFA requirements.
Key Advantages
- Multiple Grades Available: Food Grade, Feed Grade, Industrial Grade
- High Purity & Low Impurities: Dry basis content typically ≥ 99.0%
- Complete Documentation: TDS, MSDS, COA available for each batch
- Excellent Storage Stability: Spherical granule technology provides low dust and anti-caking performance
- Export-Oriented Compliance: Extensive experience meeting global regulatory requirements
2. Appearance & Characteristics
Appearance: White crystalline powder, spherical granules, or transparent particles
Odor: Odorless or slight characteristic propionic odor
Physical Forms: Fine powder and free-flowing granules available
Core Characteristics
- Hygroscopic under humid conditions – sealed storage required
- Excellent solubility and dispersion in aqueous systems
- Antimicrobial efficiency is pH-dependent, with optimal performance at pH 5.0 – 6.0
3. Basic Chemical & Physical Properties
| Parameter | Value |
| CAS Number | 137-40-6 |
| Molecular Formula | C3H5NaO2 |
| Structural Formula | CH3CH2COONa |
| Molecular Weight | 96.06 g/mol |
| Appearance | White powder or granules |
| Water Solubility | Highly soluble (~995 g/L at 20°C) |
| Ethanol Solubility | Slightly soluble |
| pH (10% Solution) | 7.5 – 10.5 |
| Melting Point | Approx. 285 – 286°C |
| Loss on Drying | ≤ 1.0% (Typical ~0.6%) |
4. Quality Grades & Technical Specifications
Food Grade Sodium Propionate (GB 25549-2010 / FCC / E281)
| Test Item | Specification | Typical Value |
| Assay (Dry Basis) | 99.0 – 100.5% | ≥ 99.5% |
| Moisture | ≤ 1.0% | 0.56% |
| pH (10% Solution) | 7.5 – 10.5 | 8.6 |
| Iron (Fe) | ≤ 30 mg/kg | < 30 mg/kg |
| Heavy Metals (as Pb) | ≤ 2 mg/kg | < 2 mg/kg |
| Arsenic (As) | ≤ 3 mg/kg | < 3 mg/kg |
| Water Insoluble Matter | ≤ 0.1% | ≤ 0.05% |
Recommended Applications
- Mold inhibition in bakery products (bread, cakes, pastries)
- Preservation and stabilization in cheese and dairy products
- Fermentation regulation in beverage and brewing applications
5. Main Applications
Food Industry
Mold Control: Effectively inhibits mold growth and rope-forming Bacillus species responsible for spoilage in baked goods.
Mycotoxin Risk Reduction: Helps reduce the risk of aflatoxin formation by controlling mold growth, without interfering with yeast fermentation.
Texture Stabilization: Functions as a buffering and stabilizing agent in cheese and dairy processing.
Pharmaceuticals & Cosmetics
Used as a preservative antimicrobial agent in certain cosmetic and topical formulations (typical dosage ≤ 2%).
Feed & Industrial Applications
Feed Preservation: Prevents mold growth and extends feed shelf life.
Industrial Processing: Used in selected fermentation and industrial biochemical systems.
6. Physical Form Options
| Form | Features | Applications |
| Powder | Fine particle size, rapid dissolution | R&D, dry blending, precision formulation |
| Granular | Low dust, excellent flowability, anti-caking | Automated feeding, industrial production |
7. Packaging & Storage
Standard Packaging: 25 kg bags
Inner Layer: Food-grade PE liner
Outer Layer: PP woven bag or kraft composite bag
Optional Packaging:
500 – 1000 kg jumbo bags available
Storage Conditions
Store in cool, dry, well-ventilated areas.
Keep sealed to prevent moisture absorption.
Keep away from heat sources and incompatible chemicals.
Shelf Life: 24 months under recommended storage conditions.
8. Safety & Regulatory Compliance
JECFA (FAO/WHO): Approved Food Additive (INS 281)
European Union: Authorized Food Additive (E281)
US FDA: GRAS (21 CFR §184.1784)
China: Complies with GB 2760
Toxicology:
Rat Oral LD50 ≈ 6332 mg/kg (Low toxicity classification)
9. Quality Assurance & Technical Support
Each batch is tested by Ruiheng’s internal laboratory before shipment.
Critical heavy metal and moisture parameters consistently exceed regulatory requirements.
Documentation Provided:
- TDS
- MSDS
- COA
Technical Support:
Professional technical support available for preservative system optimization and pH adjustment for maximum antimicrobial efficiency.
10. Contact Us
Sodium Propionate is supplied through professional B2B chemical supply channels.
Contact us for:
- Latest pricing and delivery schedule
- Free sample request (≤ 500 g)
- Customized packaging and specification consultation
